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Various researches have shown that students do not learn only in the classroom environment. By being out of the traditional learning setting, students are more motivated to learn in teams, respect the environment, improve their creativity and critical thinking skills. Outdoor Learning Teacher Training course aims to broaden the horizon of teachers when it comes to their teaching spaces and encourages them to think outside the box. In this course, participants will attend a mixture of practical and theoretical session, workshops and they will have a space to share their experiences at European level.
The Outdoor Learning course under the Erasmus Plus program is designed to empower teachers with practical skills and knowledge to incorporate outdoor education into their teaching practices. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and collaborative learning, participants will explore the benefits of outdoor learning and discover effective strategies to engage students in meaningful educational experiences in natural environments. The course will also address safety considerations, curriculum integration, and evaluation methods for outdoor learning programs.
This 5-day course provides various outdoor activities and guide participants in their journey of new learning environments, which can be anywhere like parks, school yards, museums, or the nature itself. In this training, we aim to deliver essential tools to improve participants’ competences and skills to teach any curriculum content in the outdoors. Outdoor Learning training course mostly takes place in outdoor settings in order to provide participants real time experience when it comes to apply what they have learned during the training sessions in their own school.
This course is designed for pre-primary and primary school teachers and educators.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
The course sessions will be held in the mornings, Monday through Friday, for a duration of five days.
Day 1 - Monday: Introduction to Outdoor Learning: Foundational Principles and Contextual Understanding
Welcome and course orientation.
Understanding the importance of outdoor learning for student development.
Exploring research-based evidence on the benefits of outdoor education.
Introduction to key concepts and theories related to outdoor learning.
Overview of the Forest School approach and its benefits
Understanding the role of the educator in the Forest School setting
Day 2 - Tuesday: Exploring the Natural Environment & Forest School Activities and Games
Observation and identification of local flora and fauna
Safety guidelines and risk assessment in outdoor environments
Hands-on experience with various Forest School tools and resources
Group games promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and communication
Building and using natural materials for creative play
Day 3 - Wednesday: Strategies for Facilitating Outdoor Learning
Establishing a safe and inclusive learning environment outdoors.
Implementing inquiry-based and experiential learning techniques.
Introduction to basic bushcraft skills (e.g., shelter construction)
Guided nature walk and exploration of the forest ecosystem
Day 4 - Thursday: Designing Effective Outdoor Learning Experiences
Identifying learning objectives and aligning them with outdoor activities.
Developing a curriculum framework for outdoor learning.
Creating engaging and interdisciplinary outdoor lesson plans.
Evaluating learning outcomes and assessing student progress in outdoor learning.
Formative and summative assessment methods for outdoor education.
Incorporating reflective practices and self-assessment in outdoor learning.
Day 5 - Friday: Reflection and Evaluation
Reflecting on personal experiences and learning outcomes
Sharing best practices for integrating Forest School methods into existing curricula
Developing action plans for implementing outdoor learning activities
Final group discussion and course evaluation
Certification of Attendance
Confirmation of Erasmus+ Mobility documents
The 5-day course fee per participant is set at 400€, which provides comprehensive coverage for all aspects of the program. This fee includes the following:
Course Materials: Participants will receive all necessary course materials, including handouts, guides, and resources, to support their learning throughout the program.
Administrative Support: Participants will benefit from administrative assistance before, during, and after the course, ensuring a smooth registration process, timely communication, and any necessary follow-up support.
Monitoring and Mentoring: The course fee covers monitoring and mentoring services provided by experienced professionals who will guide participants throughout the program, offering personalized support, feedback, and guidance.
Coffee Breaks: Participants will enjoy refreshments during coffee breaks, fostering networking opportunities and providing a relaxed environment for informal discussions and interactions.
Other Inclusions: The fee also covers any additional services or resources required for the successful implementation of the course, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling learning experience.
We strive to ensure that participants receive exceptional value for their investment in the course, with the fee covering a wide range of services and resources that contribute to their professional development and overall satisfaction.